MEC for health urges Gauteng communities to take first responder training
The training is not intended for certification of qualification but for the empowerment of communities to be able to render first responder life-saving procedures.
Gauteng’s MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko recently visited the Gauteng EMS head office in Midrand on October 26 to take part in the emergency first responder training.
Seeing the importance of the training, the MEC challenged the staff at the department together with communities in the province to take advantage of the free first responder training offered by Lebone College of Emergency Care to equip themselves with the skills required to respond to commonly encountered emergencies.
The first responder training course entails assessment and intervention that can be performed by a bystander or by a victim with minimal or no medical equipment.
The training is not intended for certification of qualification but for the empowerment of communities to be able to render first responder life-saving procedures while awaiting the arrival of appropriately qualified emergency care personnel.
Ndotenda Ravhandalala, the principal at the college, said the course focuses on amongst other areas; how to handle trauma emergencies such as bleeding, burns, fractures, drowning, seizures, wound care, and environmental emergencies such as hypothermia, heat cramps, and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).
Speaking after the training session, Nkomo-Ralehoko said, “Basic knowledge of medical intervention in an emergency situation is essential because knowing what to do at that particular moment could save a person’s life.
“Being a first responder equips citizens with life-saving skills while awaiting the arrival of qualified emergency care personnel.”
Nkomo-Ralehoko committed to mobilise civil servants and the public to empower themselves in this area. “I will be encouraging our staff at the Department of Health and also urge communities across the province to take up this opportunity as we put wellness back into the agenda of our work.”
Reuben Ruiters director for Gauteng EMS said community members need this kind of training as having basic first aid knowledge means that they will be confident in their skills and abilities in relation to first aid administration.
The training is offered free of charge. Residents interested in the first responder training are encouraged to enquire with the Department’s Lebone College of Emergency Care so that they can be included in future programmes.
Details: The college can be reached at leboneenquiries@gauteng.gov.za or 012 356 8000.
